Opposition to Arizona Prop 204 overwhelming

While it may have seemed at one point that Arizona Proposition 204 would slide to an easy ballot box victory with little resistance, new poll numbers show something else happening.

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released the results of a survey conducted on Oct. 17 among a sample of 748 likely voters. It’s not good news for those who support the new $1 billion sales tax, as 58.3% of voters are opposed to the measure while only 34.6% favor it. That’s an overwhelming majority which gives No New Taxes, No On 204 a 23.7% lead after undecided voters are factored into the total. No matter what the margin of error is, that is a polling deficit supporters of this huge special interest giveaway are unlikely to overcome.

Gibson McKay, who conducted the survey, said the survey clearly indicates that voters don’t think it’s a good idea to keep the sales tax raised in a recession.

“I don’t see a path to victory for them,” McKay said.

Garrick Taylor, a spokesman for the Arizona Chamber, said the organization is not taking anything for granted, adding it expects the “yes” side to be very well-funded in the homestretch of the campaign.

It’s a lead that cannot be taken for granted, but should help opponents of the initiative to keep their enthusiasm through election day. The No On 204 campaign already has nearly 5,000 Facebook fans, and prominent business and political leaders in the state have recently come out in opposition to the 18% tax increase. If you haven’t already, now is the time to hop on board!